So Blessed

Monday, I woke up feeling pretty tough from my cold. I went to work and made it through the day. I had a test for my one college class so the kids road the bus home. Before I left town, I tried to call the hubby to see what we were doing for supper but couldn't reach him.

I pulled into the garage and the son ran out to greet me. (Yes, it is a little odd since he just saw me 1 1/2 hrs earlier.) I received a big hug and an "I Love You, Mom". I asked him what was up. He commented that he had read in his Bible that he should honor his mother. Hmmm. Walked to the house and was greeted by the daughter, in pretty much the same fashion that the son greeted me. She took my bags from me and even unzipped my coat and hung it up.

Then she led me through the kitchen and into the dining area. There I was greeted with a cleared off table that had two place settings on it and a burning candle in the middle. She made me sit in my chair at the table. Feeling exhausted, I didn't argue and sat down.

Hubby came in the house and both kids went running to tell him that I was home already. He came in and asked how I was feeling and I told him tired and not well. So, then I was ushered into my bedroom where I was told to lay down and rest until supper was ready. I laid there for a whole hour or more.

The daughter made a fruit salad and also a lettuce salad to go with the pizza my hubby had brought home. And it was my favorite Papa Murphy's pizza, too. Chicken Bacon Artichoke. Yum!! I was seated at the table again. I just sat there. They dished up my pizza and salad for me. They got my drink for me. They did everything but feed me!

We had a nice family dinner. Everyone visited nicely and actually sat at the table. When the meal was over I just sat there while everything was cleared off and put away. They even did up the dishes.

As hubby was clearing the table, I asked him why they were being so nice to me. He told me that I do so much for them all the time and they just wanted to do something for me to make me feel appreciated. Okay, with not feeling good and being tired, right about that time the tears came. I felt so loved and appreciated at that moment. We even spent an hour or so in the evening as a family playing Pictionary. It was one of the best nights I've had in a long time.

Now, if they could only do that more than once. Say 2-3 times a week. Mommy would be a very happy mommy. I really am feeling blessed to have those three in my life.

He can do math!!

My Math Olympics Star

My son is really good at doing math. 

Sometimes I have to fight with him tooth and nail to do his math homework, 

but I'm glad he understands it better than mom does.

I'm so proud of him!

My little girl

It's hard to believe she turned 11 today.

What a joy and blessing she has been to us.

 We are so thankful that God chose us to be her parents.

My brother, Michael

Michael Krutsinger

1964-2011

At the young age of 47, my brother, Mike, went home to be with the Lord. He spent a year battling AML. He under went a stem cell transplant in February of 2011. On his 100 day check up the cancer was back. In August 2011, they found an unmatched bone marrow donor from out of the country. On October 21, 2011, the doctors told him that the cancer had once again returned and that he would have 2 to 6 weeks to live. They told him to go home and enjoy what time he had left.

On Friday, October 28, 2011, our family gathered to spend the weekend with Mike. My other two brothers and their families, mom and dad, and an aunt and uncle spent precious time with him. On Saturday night, some of his close friends gathered at a hotel for a pizza party. He was in a lot of pain, but the thought of having his friends together spurred him on to come out for even just a short time.

On Sunday, October 30, 2011, we gathered in his home to say good-bye. Living so far away, I knew I would not get back down to see him again. What a bitter sweet weekend we had together. The tears flowed freely that day. Driving back home, I got a text from my other brother telling me that they had called Hospice to the house. They said that if Mike made it through the night they would admit him in the morning.

We got home at 11:15 pm, totally exhausted from the long drive we went straight to bed. I woke at 2 am thinking I heard the phone ring. I got out of bed and checked the caller ID. I called my brother back. He told me that Mike had passed away at 1:15 am. 

I was saddened to know that I would no longer see my brother again on this earth. I was happy to know that he was safe in the arms of the Lord and no longer in pain.

I spent the last week with my parents and brothers planning a time of visitation and a memorial service for Mike. What a precious time we had together. Mike had picked out the songs that he wanted played at his funeral. Friday night we were warmed by the outpouring of sympathy so many people gave us. Mike was well liked by so many people.

Mike will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. He was their favorite uncle.

I was able to be a caregiver for Mike twice during this year. I think we grew closer than we had been in years past. I will treasure in my heart the time I was able to spend with him. He was the first brother to come into my life and the first to leave it. There is a hole in my life now. A link in our family chain has been broken. But we will put that chain back together when we all get to heaven.

Oh Deer!

Living in the country has it's advantages. You don't have to see wildlife through a fence. You can just stand at your door or window and watch them for free.

Might be two moms and two babies.

Where to now?

I think someone's taking our picture!

And away they run.

First Day Of School

My second year of working full-time.

John is a 7th grader.

Sarah is a 5th grader.

Both kids enjoy having mom drive them to school each day.

The Happy Trio

Sarah picked out her own outfit.

She was ready to get back to school and see all her friends.

John picked out his own outfit too.

He was all smiles. Not sure how excited actually was.

A new outfit for my first day of school.

It was a very warm day so the outfit was perfect.

Church Campout

What a great weekend! Camping with church family. This was lunch with 3 of the 4 families that brought their campers in. No men...it's a Friday and they all went to work, leaving us women with the kids.

Pastor Chris and Karen Johnson

Relaxing and Visiting

Even the men enjoyed conversation!

A lot of people showed up for the meals.

One of many afternoon activities....

SCRABBLE anyone?

It wouldn't be a campout without a bonfire!

Yes, for an August night it was very chilly.

The next night was warmer, but more mosquitoes.

I think everyone had a good time. Looking forward to next year's campout!